PARIS, AVENUE WAGRAM 137,
Sunday, May 21, 1882.
DEAREST KATIE,—We are very pleased to be able to hope that you are better. How is your dear aunt? We trust she is better. I cannot express our feelings of affectionate regard for her, nor can I say adequately how truly we desire her happiness here and for all eternity in Heaven. She has been so sweet a friend and so charming in all her ways towards your dear children, "the butterflies"—most attractive designation. Dear Lady O'Donnell wrote a rapturous description of the little creatures. She loved your dear little Claude, and shared your grief at losing her, but happy child, how glorious is her existence! What a contrast to ours, we who must struggle on, working out our salvation in fear and trembling!..."
[[1]] An allusion to political funds banked in Paris.
[[2]] Captain O'Shea.
[[3]] Captain O'Shea.
[[4]] Dillon.
[[5]] O'Kelly.